This site is dedicated to the preservation of memory of silent films. Although they were quite important in the evolution of cinema, they remain virtually forgotten nowadays. Since the best way to understand the present is taking an attentive look at the past, here you have some movies, pictures, interviews, etc. on silent cinema. Some occasional material on sound films will also be presented. I hope you enjoy getting to know a bit more about the beauty and sheer fun of these golden oldies.

Dance hall Romeos and an
irresponsible father create comic complications in the life of a
nickel-per-whirl taxi dancer.

Mabel Normand was the darling of
the teens, starring in scores of short films with the likes of Charlie Chaplin,
Roscoe Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, and Marie Dressler. Of course she co-starred
with Dressler and Chaplin in the first feature-length comedy, Tillie's
Punctured Romance, in 1914. It was a smash hit.

In 1918, Normand had the biggest
hit of her career as the star of Mickey. In the early 20s she was peripherally
involved in a few scandals and her career dried up. Despite the superb film,
The Extra Girl in 1923, Normand was basically washed up. She tried Broadway;
she went to Europe.

In the mid 20s she tried for a
comeback and this 1926 short film, The Nickel-Hopper, was an attempt to return
to her comedic roots. She was also backed by some major talent.

She plays a taxi dancer at a
nickel a dance and supports her family. The dance scenes, thought brief, are
very funny as she is hauled around the dance floor by a number of ridiculous men
(including Boris Karloff as a masher). At home her father is a deadbeat, and
poor Mabel doesn't even have a boy friend.

There are several terrific bits
in this 37-minute film, and Normand is very good. She had a great deadpan
delivery and made great use of her large eyes. The lady knew comedy.

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Brazilian, greatly fond of classic movies, specially silent ones. It is a pleasure to understand better how life was like in the past with the help of those films. Moreover, they are quite fun to watch, once you sit down and are willing to see things from another perspective. In case you want to exchange ideas, e-mail me at silentbeauties10@gmail.com and you will be answered as soon as possible.